This year marks a significant milestone as China and the European Union (EU) celebrate 50 years of diplomatic relations. Half a century ago, on May 6, 1975, China and the European Economic Community, now known as the EU, established official ties, paving the way for a partnership that has reshaped international relations.
Over the past five decades, China-EU relations have evolved into a cornerstone of global diplomacy, influencing politics, security, trade, investment, technology, and environmental cooperation. Their collaboration has not only boosted their own economies but also contributed significantly to global growth.
Bilateral trade between China and the EU has seen exponential growth, soaring from $2.4 billion to an astounding $780 billion. Investment exchanges have also flourished, increasing from virtually nothing to nearly $260 billion. These numbers reflect a deepening economic bond that benefits both sides.
In industries like automotive and luxury goods, Europe offers design expertise, regulatory standards, and innovation. Meanwhile, China provides high-quality manufacturing, skilled labor, and a vast, dynamic consumer market. Together, they have created jobs, revitalized industries, and driven technological advancements.
The China-EU freight train service has become a vital link for trade, symbolizing the physical connection between the two regions. Last year, the 100,000th China-Europe freight train arrived in Duisburg, Germany, highlighting the scale and resilience of this transcontinental network.
China’s leadership in green technology, advanced manufacturing, and digital infrastructure aligns with the EU’s goals of carbon neutrality and digital transformation. With over 400 million middle-income earners, China is not just the world’s factory but also a rapidly growing consumer market, offering immense opportunities for European businesses.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun emphasized the successes of this partnership. “Cooperation between China and the EU has yielded fruitful results, providing significant support for each other’s development and tangible benefits to nearly 2 billion Chinese and EU people,” Guo said at a recent news briefing introducing the upcoming 25th China-EU Summit in Beijing.
“China hopes that the EU will work with us to view our relations from a comprehensive, dialectical, and forward-looking perspective,” Guo added. “By pooling consensus and rising above differences, we can jointly plan for cooperation in the next 50 years and open up a brighter future for the China-EU comprehensive strategic partnership.”
